Currency & Money

Note:(a) Visitors should bear in mind that foreign visitors other than Indian nationals are required to pay their airline tickets, trekking permits and hotel bills in foreign currency. (b) Taking Nepalese currency outside the country is prohibited.

Credit cards:

American Express is widely accepted, with MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATMs are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the mountains. Those embarking on treks should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.

ATM:

American Express is widely accepted, with MasterCard and Visa in tourist shops, hotels, restaurants and agencies. ATMs are widely available in Nepal, however, it is not possible to withdraw cash in the mountains. Those embarking on treks should take enough cash for the duration of their trek.

Travellers cheques:

Travellers cheques are accepted at banks and major hotels. If trekking, it is important to bear in mind that cash is necessary. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Banking hours:

Banks in the Kathmandu valley are open Sun-Fri 0900-1530 and Fri 0900-1300. Licensed money changers are open 12 hours per day.

Currency restriction:

The import of US$5,000 or more, or the equivalent amount in any other currency, must be declared on arrival. The export of local and foreign currency must be declared.

Currency exchange:

It is illegal to exchange currency with persons other than authorised dealers in foreign exchange (banks, hotels and licensed money changers). Visitors should obtain Foreign Exchange Encashment Receipts when changing currency and keep them, as these will help in many transactions, including getting visa extensions and trekking permits.

Nepal duty free

The following goods may be imported into Nepal by foreign visitors without incurring customs duty:

All baggage must be declared on arrival and departure. Certain goods including cameras, videos and electronic goods may only be imported duty-free if they are exported on departure. They may not be left in Nepal.

Banned imports:

Prohibited items include narcotics, beef and plastic bags less than 20 microns thick.

Restricted items include firearms and ammunition, radio equipment and poppy seeds.